Support From Water Companies
Explore the support available directly from water companies if those you support are struggling to pay their bills.
Contacting Water Companies
It is important households contact their water company if they are finding it difficult to afford bills. By explaining their situation, water companies can provide the most appropriate support available.
You can find more information here:
Get help if you’re struggling to pay your bills - Citizens Advice
Water Meters
Installing a water meter could save households money, if they don’t already have one. This means they will only pay for the water used rather than the standard fixed rate, so is ideal for small households.
You can find more information here:
Changing to a water meter - Citizens Advice
Social Tariffs
Every water company has a social tariff scheme available to households on a low income. The level of support provided is dependent on personal circumstances, but households could receive a significant reduction in their annual bill.
You can find more information here:
LITE and Extra Lite – Anglian Water
Payment Plans
Water companies will work with customers to create payment plans, especially if they are struggling to pay their bills. This means households can pay what they can afford, over an agreed period of time.
You can find more information here:
Hardship Funds
Many water companies have special hardship funds to help customers with debt or other financial difficulties. Eligibility requirement vary, as we all as the amount of money households are likely to receive.
You can find more information here:
Water Direct
If households are in debt to their water company and claim certain benefits, they may be able to take part in the Water Direct scheme. This would enable a set amount to be taken automatically from benefit payments.
You can find more information here:
Extra Care Support- Anglian Water
Manage deductions from your benefits to pay debts and bills - GOV.UK
WaterSure
If households are on certain benefits, have a water meter and high essential water usage, they may be eligible to apply for the WaterSure scheme. This would cap their water bill, meaning they pay no more than the average metered bill for the area.
You can find more information here:
WaterSure scheme - Citizens Advice
Breathing Space
If those you support feel they would benefit from some time to get financial advice, they may be eligible for breathing space. This stops their water company adding additional interest, asking for payment or taking enforcement action.
You can find further information here:
BREATHING SPACE UK - Breathing Space Scheme